This large beautiful tree is one of our "evergreen" fruit trees and grows profusely on the island. It was first introduced into the Caribbean by Captain Bligh of the "Bounty" in 1793.
The dark green shiny leaves are shaped somewhat like huge hands with light colored veins growing downwards to the finger tips. The fruit is the shape and size of a European football, it's used as a vegetable, and is extremely popular in Barbadian kitchens.
It is delicious when cooked and can be prepared
and used in exactly the same way as a potato. One of the lovely attributes about
the "Breadfruit" is that it has a delightful, slightly nutty flavor,
which one may be happy to note, cannot be transmitted to the mind.!!
The versatility of this fruit is renowned throughout this island and for luncheons and dinner parties the leaves can be used as very attractive tropical place-mats.
In the not too distant future you will be able
to "click on" and receive recipes about "The sweet temptations
of Barbadian cooking"!!
Margaret P. M. Bourne
